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NuNorthern Soul may be Ibiza-based, but the label’s connections with Nottingham run deep. Over the years, Phil Cooper’s imprint has offered up countless releases and remixes from some of the East Midlands’ city’s most Balearic-minded residents, including Crazy P’s Jim Baron, Is It Balearic? chiefs Coyote and, most recently, Constellations Workshop associates Brown Fang.
You can also add to that list Torn Sail, a collaboration between Brown Fang members Jon Thompson and Henry Scott, and another Notts-based NuNorthern Soul contributor, Huw Costin. The trio’s mesmerising ‘Disconnected’ recently featured on the label’s deluxe 10th anniversary vinyl box set and now they return with a single credited to both Brown Fang and Torn Sail – the first such occurrence of that happening.
Those who heard Brown Fang’s brilliant mini-album, Sherwood Pines, will immediately feel at home. Both ‘Exit’ and ‘Endless’, the two tracks showcased on this fine single release, feature the same gorgeous, slowly shifting fusion of sun-kissed electric guitar textures, ambient atmospherics and immersive, sunset-friendly sound design.
First up is ‘Exit’, an undulating, slow burning delight where rising and falling electronic melodies and yearning, gently jazzy electric guitar motifs rise above a sparse, shuffling, subtly Latin-tinged drum machine rhythm and warming bass. Endearing, enveloping and endlessly attractive, the track seemingly blossoms in slow motion throughout its’ three-and-a-half-minute duration, with additional musical elements presenting themselves as it progresses. Even by the trio’s high standards, it’s a magical composition.
On ‘Endless’, the long-time collaborators explore their love of mind-soothing ambient soundscapes. Doffing a cap to the 1970s new age ambience of Steve Hillage – whose distinctively languid, stretched out, effects-laden electric guitar solos were undoubtedly an inspiration –Thompson, Scott and Costin deliver a becalmed and brilliant dream-scape full of hazy aural textures, drifting chords and gentle, eyes-closed vocalisations. It feels like a loved-up, smile-inducing evocation of the most visually stunning dawn you’ve ever ushered in after a night dancing under the stars.
credits
released February 24, 2023
Written by John Thompson & Huw Costin
Bass, Synth, Programming by John Thompson
Vocals, Guitar by Huw Costin
Mixed by John Thompson
Mastered by Simon Mills
Torn Sail make bold, singular, extravagant records of rare, uncompromised passion. Each of his records swerves from the
beaten track – though COSTIN always eyes his destination – and its subtle surprises still startle after repeated listens. LEISURE & TECHNOLOGY simply does this better than ever....more
supported by 34 fans who also own “Exit & Endless”
The Italian dream house rebirth of '‘Waves Take Hold’' is a fascinating multi-infuenced circa 1990 tune. Bonnie & Klein appears sweatily dance-friendly more uptempo than usual lately and their crafted ethereal "Ocean Leap'' is an unmistakable Mediterranean flavoured tune that surfs over classic, rare and hidden Greek electronic vibes and deep Balearic disco aqua manine shapes. Combining late 80s new age and world-sourced rememberence, the ‘'Endless Ocean’' by Mirage offers an old journey. Yiannis Nova Dorakis
supported by 33 fans who also own “Exit & Endless”
Ten years is a huge achievement. Phil and NuNorthern have consistency released essential Balearic beats and this is an ace way to celebrate. Hat doffed to everyone involved. Steve KIW (BAOL/Andres y Xavi)
Big, heartbreaking songs light up the latest from Armando Perez full of romantic longing and irresistible tenderness. Bandcamp New & Notable Jun 5, 2023
supported by 33 fans who also own “Exit & Endless”
Huge fan of Marshall Watson's work, 5 Sunkissed wonderful Balearic downtempo loveliness..
All tracks are on the money on this release... Summer 2023 has arrived.. 10/10 Denis Heaney (Balearic Sessions)